URGENT! Android’s May 2025 Security Patch

May 6, 2025
|In Cybersecurity News
|By Diego MacCastrillon

The Big Deal: CVE‑2025‑27363

Google’s latest May 2025 Security Patch tackles 46 security issues, but the one getting all the buzz is CVE‑2025‑27363. It lives in Android’s System component and comes from a bug in the popular FreeType font library. In simple terms, a specially crafted font file can let an attacker run code on your phone without any help from you and without extra permissions. Facebook first blew the whistle on it in March 2025, and Google says it’s already been used in real‑world attacks—although details are still under wraps.

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How the Flaw Works

FreeType trips up when it reads certain TrueType GX or variable fonts. The code writes data outside the area it’s supposed to (an “out‑of‑bounds write”), opening the door for an attacker to slip in their own instructions. FreeType fixed the mistake in versions 2.13.1 and later, and Google’s May update pulls that fix into Android.

More Than One Patch

Alongside CVE‑2025‑27363, the May bundle closes:

  • 8 other System holes that could let attackers raise privileges, leak data, or crash your phone.

  • 15 Framework problems with similar risks.

Google points out that newer Android versions already include extra roadblocks, making many of these bugs harder to exploit.

What You Should Do Right Now

  1. Check for updates: Head to Settings → System → Software update (names vary by manufacturer) and install the May 2025 patch as soon as it shows up.

  2. Keep apps current: Many security issues get fixed through Play system updates and app updates, too.

  3. Avoid shady downloads: Until you’re patched, stay away from unknown font files and suspicious links.

When Will Your Phone Get It?

  • Pixel devices receive Google’s patch first.

  • Samsung, OnePlus, and other vendors roll it out over the next few weeks—sometimes longer, depending on region and carrier.

  • If your handset is stuck on an older Android version, keep an eye on the manufacturer’s announcements; some will still push security patches even after major OS support ends.

Bottom Line

Install the May 2025 security update as soon as it’s offered. CVE‑2025‑27363 is already being used in targeted attacks, and the fix costs you nothing but a reboot. Staying current is the simplest way to keep your Android device—and your data—safe.

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